Seeking a new summit: My attempt on Mt. Big Chief

I took the day off on Wednesday to go to the real mountains! I've spent most of my spring doing town runs and home gym workouts, and looked forward to being back on mountain trails. 

Because the road up North Cheyenne Cañon is still closed for bridge construction, I decided on a route that started at the bottom of the Cañon near Starsmore Nature Center and ascended trails all the way up to Frosty's Park, with the end goal being the summit of Mt. Big Chief.

I got a little later start than I'd prefer for such a warm day, and I was already very warm ascending North Cheyenne Cañon via Columbine Trail.

I must say, they did a great job of keeping the trail open during the ongoing road construction! They made some improvements to the current trail and also cut a new trail that allows you to connect to Mt. Cutler and Mt. Muscoco directly from Middle Columbine Trail. (At least I don't recall a trail like that existing before, unless I missed it.)

I ascended Columbine Trail as quickly as I could to get out of the lower canyon heat (feels like summer already!) I passed by a cute waterfall after the Columbine Trail split, and then joined Mt. Cutler Trail.

Top: The start of my day, up Columbine Trail to Mt. Cutler connection. Bottom: The view across to Mays Peak from Mt. Cutler Trail.

I took the split off to the west from the Mt. Cutler saddle, and I was on the Mt. Muscoco Trail, climbing upward!

The Mt. Muscoco Trail has a couple little staircases or "mini Inclines." A short climb later, St. Peter's Dome stood tall in the distance. Bright blue skies greeted me on my westward journey towards the new Daniels Pass Trail.

The Mt. Muscoco Trail connects to the new Daniel's Pass Trail System, with many miles of brand new trails! I was only able to see a small section of them today.

I arrived at the junction that went up to the summit of Muscoco and bypassed it. Although I've summited Muscoco before, and it's a lovely open rock outcropping with a great view, I had a destination today. Time to keep moving onward towards Daniels Pass.

A nice breeze helped cool me off when I descended the slope to the bottom of the Daniels Pass Trail, and then immediately began another hot, sunny climb towards Gold Camp Road.

The new segment of trail that I got to check out is very nice! A proper amount of descending and climbing, a nice combination of sunny and woodsy trail. It will make a good destination for future runs as well. I look forward to doing the Sweetwater Canyon trail which comes off of this trail someday, too.

My planned route was to reach the top of Daniels Pass where it connects with Gold Camp Road and then descend a short portion of the road to the creek crossing where I would join the St. Mary's Falls Trail. 

I climbed quickly up past St. Mary's Falls and at the upper junction, continued onward towards Mt. Rosa.

I had a plan to cut further south on the trail, by using the connector trail to 381 that I'd accidently taken last year during my summer solstice run and Mt. Rosa attempt.

I'm not sure what this trail is called. It is shown on the Pikes Peak Atlas but not named. From the looks of it, it could be an old Forest Service trail that is no longer maintained. It cuts south off of 624 near the campsite shown in the photo below.

Top: Campsite near the stream, just south of the critical trail junction. Bottom: The 381 connector trail, completely covered by snow in some spots.

I pondered how glad I was that I'd discovered this trail last year. Even though it had taken me off of my planned course at that time, it was the perfect shortcut for today's run. 

I soon encountered some deep snowdrifts on the trail. They were mostly avoidable by going to the side of the trail. There were also a lot of downed trees along the trail. It was clear that this trail had not been maintained in a while, but it was still navigable with careful route-finding. I'd love to see this trail cleaned up a little, and I wonder if the Forest Service is interested in fixing it up.

Finally, I came to the junction with FS road #381, and out into the bright sun on top of a ridge. 

The clouds created neat patterns in the sky as I gradually ascended on the wide open road.

The low-lying forest foliage is already bright green, indicating the warmth of this spring so far.

Neat rocks and spring colors on FS road #381.

After what seemed like a long uphill followed by a short downhill, I came to the junction with trail #626 (Frosty's Shortcut), which was clearly labeled. This trail felt long, climbing a little and descending a little. I finally came to the other side of the trail where it joins FS #379, just a bit below Frosty's Park. 

At this point, I recalled what the SummitPost article about Mt. Big Chief said - the trail to the summit originates in the Frosty's drainage, climbing to the west from a pull-off where a seasonal pond fills the road.

I searched carefully for the trail on my west, and soon came to the seasonal pond that was mentioned. The trail was there, clearly cutting steeply up the hillside from the pull-off.

I ascended the first couple hundred feet of trail, climbing diligently over more downed trees. The social trail was very steep, reminiscent of the steep Tenney Crags social trail.

Then, I stopped to catch my breath on a fallen log, and looked at the time. The day was slipping away from me already. It was clear that I'd be racing the darkness on my way down. And now that I'd stopped, I realized I had the beginnings of an achy headache.

I was so determined and excited that I'd pushed on and on this far. The subtle fatigue I'd experienced on the Frosty's Shortcut Trail had been only the starting indication that something was wrong. I now was getting a pretty bad altitude headache. I was around 10,500 feet - a little below the elevation when I'd encountered an altitude headache last time on the saddle of Mt. Rosa, but not significantly lower.

I knew the best remedy for altitude sickness was to descend to lower elevation. 

I was probably also slightly dehydrated and drained by the sun. Although I still had a little water, I was rationing it because the early heat of the day had cost me more water than I anticipated.

I was so close, yet so far! I had only between half a mile to a mile of climbing left to the summit of Mt. Big Chief, but today would not be the day. Instead, the summit of this majestic mountain would have to wait for a day when I was better prepared and better acclimated to the altitude. 

Time to go down. As usual, my planned downhill route was simply down Old Stage Road out of the National Forest and back into town. I descended the short remaining segment of 379 and connected to Old Stage. My head was still throbbing, but more mildly with every gradual downhill step. 

I felt well enough to at least climb a small rock outcropping off the side, near a cut in the road.

Here, I sat in the sunlight for a minute, looking at the beautiful blue skies above the large Mt. Big Chief, the mountain which had eluded me today. I used my small binoculars to look at the massive cliff face on the south side of the mountain. It looked like a rock climber's delight. 

Mt. Big Chief on the center-right with clouds above.

Mt. Big Chief on the left with Almagre peeking out in the distance on the right, with clear blue skies above.

After a snack and a few careful sips of water, I returned to the road. I jogged the flats and downhill parts, but slowed down to a hike on any small uphill sections.

Luckily, I felt a little better as I lost altitude, and still got some nice photos of the mountain summits that surrounded me.

Top: Knights Peak. Middle: Rolling hills and distant clouds to the south. Bottom: Looking back at Mt. Rosa.

As I slowly felt better, I enjoyed my surroundings. I love looking at all the outcroppings and pinnacles of Pikes Peak Granite that make up the scenery along Old Stage Road.

Soon, I reached the Devil's Slide, and I knew St. Peter's Dome was just around the next bend. 

I also knew that the road began the steep descent into South Cheyenne Cañon after the St. Peter's Dome parking area.

As I descended this part of the road, I felt better and better, and I sped up quite a bit - jogging all of the remainder of the road, even the last remaining segments of uphill on my way out of the National Forest. 

The shadows got longer as I exited the National Forest and came to the paved road.

Top: St. Peter's Dome parking area. Middle: The sun makes its way towards the west as I exit the National Forest. Bottom: Looking back at St. Peter's Dome, the prominent outcropping in the center.

When Alex met with me to pick me up, I stopped my GPS and saw that I was right at the marathon mark! My planned route had been 27.5 miles, so I had only skipped on the last three-quarters of a mile of ascent at the top, which made me feel better about not attaining the summit. I'd still come so far and accomplished so much!!

By the time I was done, my legs actually still felt pretty good, despite the elevation issues I'd faced earlier in the day. I felt really good being able to attain the marathon mark on this run.

It's evident that I have the training to go the distance, but my altitude training has been seriously lacking. I will have to focus on getting up to higher elevations more often this summer if I want to avoid issues like altitude headaches on future adventures. Otherwise, I still feel a great deal of accomplishment from this jog, as I was still able to connect our network of trails together to create a great marathon-length adventure run. 

And between all the ascending and descending, I got 6300 feet of climbing for the day!

Thanks again friends, for journeying along with me, and I hope to share more interesting mountain tales soon! The weather is quite warm and the east- and south-facing hillsides are totally snow-free, so more adventures will be coming. 😀

***

Sunday, April 10th

Two exercises today: Seated machine lat pull-downs, captain's chair leg raises (ab crunch).

***

Monday, April 11th

Today's picks were standing barbell overhead press, and kettlebell side lunges. It's been a little while since I've done the barbell overhead presses, and they're still one of my favorite exercises. 

My morning routine is really falling into place lately. Consistency in my diet is paying off, and I think I'm seeing results. When I get up, I have my coffee and then I prepare a protein shake so it will be immediately ready post-workout. Then I do my workout for the day, either in the gym or a run. After my protein shake, I usually have a big salad for lunch.

I feel good, energetic, and healthy eating like this!

***

Tuesday, April 12th

Side lateral raises and dumbbell front raises were the picks of this morning in the gym. Then I followed up with an 8-mile run. It felt good, since I haven't run in a couple days.

***

Wednesday, April 13th

A nice cold early morning with fascinating clouds and shadows over the mountains! 

Another 8 mile day.

***

Thursday, April 14th

8 miles, a clear day instead today. It's amazing when running every morning to see the differences in the weather!

Taking a short break from the gym and just running for a few days in a row. 

***

Friday, April 15th

In the morning, I did another 8 miles, making it the fourth day in a row. 4 x 8 miles is sufficient for the week for me. Tomorrow I will be back in the gym for a lifting day.

In the evening, I did a little walk with the family at Bear Creek Park. It was such a nice night with the full moon rising as the sun set behind the mountains.

It was a nice cool hike by the creek. What an amazing natural world right at our doorstep here in Colorado Springs! 

***

Saturday, April 16th

Back in the home gym today. First, 30 minutes on the row machine, then machine chest press and standing barbell bicep curls.

I have gone pretty easy on the leg exercises this week, only doing the kettlebell side lunges on Monday. Next week, I'll try to do deadlifts again, but not until later in the week, since I am planning a big mountain run next Wednesday. 😀 

***

Sunday, April 17th

A great restful Easter Sunday at home with my family! 

***

Monday, April 18th

A little bit chilly in the morning, but with that bright Colorado sun it quickly warmed up as I did a normal 8-mile run up Marconi Heights and back.

As I ran along today, I took in the views of the mountains and made some plans for my big mountain day coming up on Wednesday! 

I was thankful for the beautiful day and took in the joy of being outside. Running around Palmer Park and the surrounding open spaces on a clear day is like looking at a map in 3D, filled with expansive views.

Tomorrow I will likely have a rest day or just do a really easy home workout, and maybe some stretching.

Wednesday's big plan is to seek out some new summits in our local mountains that I haven't been to yet. Looking forward to it immensely! 😀 

***

It's hard for me to believe that it's already been more than two weeks since my last update. Time has been flying past this spring already.

Last Saturday's weightlifting day was very productive. I opted for a double leg day, doing both heavy barbell deadlifts and barbell squats. As a runner, I figure the most important exercises (that I used to neglect in the past) are the heavy leg exercises. I used to worry about fatiguing myself too much to run. But I don't run on weightlifting days now, and I am usually not too exhausted to run the following day.

Then I added a third exercise: pushups with rotation, just to feel more balanced.

My runs lately have been close to home. I can really feel spring beginning to come, at least in town. Although I haven't been to the mountains, I can tell it's still winter up there.

But I did a nice loop up through Marconi Heights a few days back, and I noticed the colors of the shrubs beginning to perk up from their winter grey and tan hues.

And I did get to catch a lovely sunset at the top of Palmer Park as I was wrapping up my run a different day.

On Tuesday, I had another strong weightlifting day, which included barbell bicep curls, standing machine pull-downs, and finally bodyweight lunges. I felt like this workout perfectly complimented Saturday's. Two heavy upper-body movements today and one bodyweight leg exercise, as compared to last gym session, which was two heavy leg movements and one upper-body bodyweight exercise. I feel pretty balanced!

Then, on Tuesday afternoon, we all went to check out the new Kane Ranch Open Space, east of Fountain.

It was a super windy day!

We enjoyed gorgeous views of the whole Pikes Peak Massif, Greenhorn Mountain and surrounding area, and the snow-capped Crestones. We could even see all the way south to the Spanish Peaks! The views were so fantastic that the camera can't do them justice.

It was a neat family venture to the wind-blown high desert just southeast of the city.

I continue to look forward to my next time up in the mountains! For now, I continue to build strength towards my summer adventures. 

Again I've had another two strong weeks and feeling good.

Last week was busy, so I didn't get as much mileage (35 miles last week), but this week I ran 60 miles! 

I had a heavy weightlifting session on Monday that felt very successful. Heavy barbell deadlifts with varying grips and stances - wide stance, wide grip, narrow stance and grip, etc. Bodyweight dips were next, but with a real focus on going slowly and really feeling the contraction. Finally, I wrapped up with some shoulder rotation isolation exercises. I could really feel the rear delts engaging, which is something that will help with posture and arm motion while on the run.

Tuesday and Wednesday were back to back 12 mile runs, with back to back 8 mile runs on Thursday and Friday.

On Friday evening, I hit my home gym for some barbell bicep curls and some wide-legged kettlebell squats. I could really feel my hip flexors engaging in the wide kettlebell squats. It seemed like an excellent compliment to the deadlifts I'd done earlier in the week. Additionally, I think this exercise was helping address some weaknesses that will strengthen my long runs in the future.

Saturday I took a rest & Netflix day!! 😂

Then, for my long Sunday long run today, I ran 19 miles! As I've said before, I really like to celebrate the changing of the seasons with a long run. Today was the first day of spring, and it was an unseasonably warm and beautiful day. 62 degrees at the outset, I wore a tank top and shorts and didn't even bring a long sleeve shirt, which ended up being the correct decision.

I worked my way north along trails, through Palmer Park and up to Pulpit Rock Park. Then I looped around Rockrimmon along the sidewalks and returned on the Pikes Peak Greenway and Rock Island Trail. 

Around mile 13 or 14, I started to feel a little sluggish. I had just eaten a small amount of carbs a couple miles prior. It took a few more miles to help, but by mile 16 or so, I felt fantastic again. The feeling of "tired legs" gave way to feeling light, almost like I was floating along. I was so glad that I was feeling this way in the last few miles of a long run! Maybe the kettlebell wide-legged squats were already helping. I wrapped up my run with the last uphill to my house, feeling accomplished. 

We are expecting a spring snow tomorrow. It's very satisfying to complete a long run on the day before a snowstorm, because then you can relax at home and watch the snow falling.

Here's a few photos of my runs over the last two weeks.

Looking forward to more fun this spring - and hopefully another mountain run soon! 😃

I am excited to share that I had an incredibly successful week!

Saturday, February 26th:

After I finished my previous blog post, I did some evening bodyweight and core work - triangle pushups and lying leg raises. 

Sunday, February 27th:

The morning was bitterly cold, but I waited until the afternoon and set out for a long, flat one. I ran east on the Rock Island Trail, a good standard route for flat and consistent mileage. I planned on doing about 14 miles or so, but I felt good and kept going a little more, ending up with 18 miles on this out-and-back run.

My splits were slightly faster in the second half of my run. I partly attribute this to the fact that the trail is very gradually downhill on my way back, but it's pretty minimal. I hope that it also means I am getting better at negative splits!

Monday, February 28th:

I felt good on the row machine today. My typical goal is 30 minutes; this time I did 40 minutes! (And I rowed over 11,500 meters, although I'm not sure about the accuracy of that - as with treadmills, row machines are just an estimate of distance rowed.)

Then, I had a nice evening hike with the family at Garden of the Gods, entering the Garden on the Dakota Trail.

We saw the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep on the east side of Dakota Ridge! So cool to see these fabulous animals. They weren't perturbed by us whatsoever. 

Tuesday, March 1st:

Back in my gym for standing barbell curls and machine butterfly. Although curls are typically considered an isolation exercise, I feel my whole body working when I stand properly, engage the core, press firmly through my feet, and perform the full range of the curl.

Wednesday, March 2nd:

This was the big one!! I decided the night before my run that I wanted to do something big. I've long desired to do the Incline from my house, but I haven't ever attempted it before. And I haven't been on the Incline itself in over two years. The temperature forecast for the day was approaching the 70s, so I wanted to take advantage of this warm weather window.

I checked in online and saw that almost no one had reserved afternoon time slots. I might have a very quiet Incline day.

I set out later in the day and it was already quite warm. I ran towards Manitou by connecting the western Rock Island Trail to Monument Valley Park, then Sondermann Park. I planned to make a big loop.

As I ran through Manitou, I stopped at Seven Minute Springs and refilled my water bottle, drinking it once entirely before refilling it again. I still had water in my hydration pack in the vest, but I wanted to be extra sure to stay hydrated on this warm winter day. Plus, it was a good excuse to drink the natural (and tasty) spring water.

I arrived at the base of the Incline after a little more than 10 and a half miles. I was a little late for my time slot, but checked in with no issue.

I felt positive and looking forward to the climb ahead. Man, I didn't realize how much I'd missed nature's stairmaster until I stood there at its base.

I climbed steadily but not overly quickly. I wasn't pushing it like a speed workout, and never got too out of breath. Especially since I had 10.5 miles on my legs already, and knew I'd have at least 14 more miles after reaching the top, if I wanted to get home! 🙃

I made it to the top in 44:35. I was happy with that for my first time back since the pandemic.

There was some crunchy ice along the way, and a decent amount of snow on top. But the air temperature was still undeniably warm. 

I stopped at my favorite lookout on my way down, opting to add an additional mile to my downhill by taking the long-cut that goes to No Name Creek.

Some of my favorite views from the top of the Incline long-cut connection to Barr Trail. 

I jogged down Barr Trail comfortably. I was in my happy place. On my way down, I saw Ann and stopped briefly to say hello. She is a hiker who I used to see very often on Barr Trail, so it was a pleasant surprise! It is good to know that Barr trail is still full of the usual suspects. 😁

I ran down the rest of the trail, back through Manitou, and into Garden of the Gods from the Balanced Rock entrance. I had a brief moment of tiredness and that feeling of "oh no, I still have at least 10 miles to go."

Mentally, I am working on suppressing the fear response that can sometimes happen when we are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task. This is such a huge factor in ultramarathon running. In this case, I took a little bit of electrolyte salt and almost instantly felt better.  Although I was still going slowly as I jogged uphill to the north through the Garden.

It was at this point that another runner jogged past me on the other side of the road, just a bit faster than my pace. As I saw the runner in front me, I thought, "is that Jim?" So I pushed just a little bit up the hill to catch up.

I turned and saw that it was Jim! I was so excited to see a friend was really buoyed. In fact, the next mile that we ran together was my fastest split of the whole run. It was so much fun to catch up and chat. I no longer felt tired at all, and I stuck with Jim going around the loop at the Garden, adding some miles. 

After a chat, I split with him and ran up the Dakota Trail where I'd seen the Bighorn sheep just a few days ago with the kids.

The sun was beginning to set and the clouds were pretty.

Views from my return trip to home.

Twilight was long and gradual, and it got dark slowly. I connected the Dakota Trail to the Foothills Trail, then joining the Sinton Trail and finally the Templeton Gap Trail, which competed my loop.

Wow, what a day!! Familiar faces and friends, landmarks and nature. Oh, and did I mention - I got 30 miles total, and over 4600 feet elevation. Not bad for a "town run" (definition flexible 😉).

Thursday, March 3rd:

Another warm winter day - a perfect day for a recovery walk with my family at Aiken Canyon!

A small amount of climbing might have been involved. 🤭

Friday, March 4th:

I felt mostly recovered from my 30 miler already, since yesterday's 2.5 mile hike was basically a rest day for me. So I had a really solid gym session today. Standing dumbbell press-outs, followed by kettlebell side lunges, and finally kettlebell toe squats into calf raises.

This last movement really really felt great. Basically, you stay on your toes the whole time, squatting down and then going through a full range of motion all the way into a calf raise. I got a massive calf pump from these! And they stretched and strengthened my plantar fascia, making my feet feel fantastic and strong after this session. Remind me to do these more often! 

Saturday, March 5th:

Another short weight session today - dumbbell front raises (unilateral), followed by regular (forward) dumbbell lunges.

Sunday, March 6th:

Finally, my first run since the 30 miler. A nice 8 miles recovery run in the snow in Palmer Park. When I started out, it was snowing on me pretty heavily, but it cleared quickly and eventually even warmed up a bit.

Isn't it amazing that just a few days ago I was running in almost 70-degree weather and today it was barely 20 when I set out? That's Colorado for ya!

Well, what a fantastic week!! I've felt strong both on the run and in the weight room; and I'm happy that my diet has been fairly on point 👌 as well. I've been eating a big salad every day, and I do think it helps. Also - I've finally begun supplemental vitamin D after having low vitamin D for months. Perhaps this has helped me too, because I feel like my recovery has been really exceptional.

Thanks for sharing in this journey with me by reading along. The future is bright 🌞! Can't wait for more fun 🌝. 

A photographic journey of the last couple weeks

In combination with a relatively high running volume the last couple weeks, I've also been consistent in the weight room. Sticking with simply two exercises per session has allowed me to get some decent strength work in without making me feel overwhelmed, either.

One key exercise that helps me feel strong out on the trails is deadlifts. I try to keep these in my routine at least once a week because they really seem to enhance my endurance. 

I ran over 100 miles in the last two weeks, even with the several snowstorms we've had!

I did several runs that were flat, fast, and didn't involve taking any photos, including my own solo road half-marathon that I did instead of running the Super Half.

But don't worry, I did plenty of shorter runs which are pictured below!

Aside from that, things have been busy in general as well. For this update, I'll just post a few photo collages with short descriptions.

February 10th - 8 miles at Palmer in the morning (top) and a couple miles walk at Spruce Meadows in the evening with the kids. And a gorgeous sunset on the way home. Amazing! 

February 11th - a quick 6 miles in Palmer before the incoming snowstorm (as seen slowly encroaching on the mountains in the top photo.)

February 12th - A beautiful snow run at Palmer after last night's storm. Over 8 miles on snowy trails.

February 19th - 8 miles up to Union Meadows Open Space. A curious deer had no fear of me, but wondered why I was there. 

Left: February 22nd before the snow, 7.5 miles; Right: February 24th after the snow, 8.5 miles. 

Sunset run on February 25th, 8 miles.

There's a major warm up in our forecast ahead, so maybe I'll be back to doing a mountain run next week!

The call of the high mountains - My birthday run & Mount Rosa winter summit attempt

Good evening!

Yes, as of yesterday, I am officially a year older (and hopefully wiser.)

For my birthday, I usually like to celebrate with a long run. (Much how every holiday is a drinking holiday for drinkers, every celebration is a running day for runners, haha!)

In previous years, I've done things like run 30 miles (on the Front Range Trail), or summit Pikes Peak (in a low-snow year).

This year, we've had a decent amount of snow in the mountains lately, but it's been a few days since the last big storm. I guessed that the more popular local trails would probably be somewhat packed down, and I have been hearing the call of Mount Rosa.

I planned to go up Rosa on the standard route from N. Cheyenne Cañon and then descend to Frosty's Park and return to town via Old Stage Road.

Since the paved road up N. Cheyenne Cañon is currently closed for renovations, the plan was to drive up to the top parking lot from Gold Camp Road. However, right where the dirt section of Gold Camp Road begins, there was a huge ice slick. I felt safer on foot with my nanospikes than I did in a vehicle, so my journey began about 2.5 miles earlier than I anticipated. No problem 😊! Easy bonus mileage tacked onto the front side of this run.

The morning skies opened up to sunlight as I jogged at a comfortable, all-day pace up the road.

Soon I'd arrived at the virtually-empty parking lot at the top. I continued on up the trail, which was fairly snowpacked with crunchy, grippy snow.

A runner passed by me and I was able to chat briefly with him. As it turns out he has been living in the Pikes Peak region for even longer than I have, and has a great knowledge of the local trails. It was nice to meet Peter! Our paths quickly diverged, however, as I split off towards St. Mary's Falls Trail.

The trail continued to be in excellent condition, fully packed down but not icy.

I felt like I was making progress at a good pace, although I could tell I was a lot slower than when I last did this climb, on Labor Day Weekend last year. Of course, winter trails are inherently more challenging. 

When I came to the big rock outcropping above the falls, I figured I'd scramble up the side and grab a view. Then it was back to the lovely, snowy trail in the fresh winter mountain air.

The snow underneath the trail did get thicker as I ascended. It became a little more challenging to find my footing, as I sunk in a little more with each step. 

I came quickly upon the crossing with the off-road vehicle road, FS #381. I had considered taking this way back down after the summit, but when I saw that the road was filled with completely untouched snow, I decided against it. My nanospikes are great for pre-packed trails, but not helpful at all for post-holing through untouched trails.

After the Mt. Rosa route crosses FS 381, it turns off quickly to the west and ascends toward Rosa's big, flat northern saddle. This part of the climb was slow but steady until I reached the saddle.

At the saddle, I was instantly greeted by awesome views to the west and north. Mt. Rosa's taller western neighbor, Almagre, was in full view, with the south face of Pikes Peak to the north.

Panorama from the saddle below Mt. Rosa's summit.

It was after this point when I encountered the truly deep snow. The wind kicked up and chilled me right through, but I was determined to press on.

I kept stepping through the drifts, sinking in to my mid-calf on every step. This would be a slow half-mile to the summit. Suddenly, the drift gave way, and I was up to my hip in snow. I pulled my leg out and tried again. I took three steps, then broke through again.

My fun-meter was getting quickly depleted.

Between the relentless wind and the deep snow, I took a look at Mt. Rosa's summit less than a half-mile away and decided it was not the day. Furthermore, I had the beginnings of a headache. I surmised that it was likely an effect of being over 11,000 feet. Although extremely rare for me, headaches can happen to anyone at higher altitudes, without any real reason.

If I had pressed on, it would have been an extremely slow half-mile. 

Time to know my limits and turn around!

Mount Rosa had eluded me again! I was reminded of a few years ago, when Bailey and I had done the Mount Rosa "standard loop" and been within a few hundred feet of the summit when deep snow turned us back.

Even though I've stood atop Mount Rosa's summit at least a half-dozen times, today would not be one of those times.

Instead, I had a short break at the saddle and took in the view of Almagre and Pikes Peak. I opened my PeakFinder app on my phone and saw that Longs Peak was visible to the north on this clear day. I could make out its distinctive ridgeline in the far distance. 

However, after only a few minutes, my fingers were getting frozen, even with gloves on. I knew I'd feel better after I descended from the saddle, since the wind is always far worse on this exposed ridge.

I returned to the junction and took trail 672 down towards Frosty's Park. I immediately felt that going this way was the right decision. 672 was well-trekked in, and I was making excellent time on the downhill in the soft snow.

Soon I arrived at Frosty's Park, where I took a few minutes to soak up the very warm sun in the wind-free mountain meadow.

Top: Trail 672 was a snowy playground! Bottom: The warm meadow at Frosty's Park. 

Fortunately for me, just this short descent totally cured my headache, so much that I forgot I'd even had one.

I sat on a snow-free patch of grass and ate my snack that I'd intended to have at the summit - a sandwich made of two stroopwafles (the original Dutch ones) with natural peanut butter in the middle. So delicious! It was even better because it was still frozen from the cold air up top. 

I probably could have sat in that meadow all day! But I wasn't done yet - over half my mileage was remaining. Still, I was relaxed and warm, and I felt totally confident about the upcoming 14 or 15 miles of gentle downhill ahead of me.

I've mentioned it before, but my favorite format for a long run is a steep, rapid, rocky ascent to elevation, followed by a long, gradual, runnable descent - preferably on a dirt road or other smoothly-graded trail.

I had only the fun and relaxing part of my run ahead of me now, jogging down FS 379 to Old Stage Road and then back through the National Forest into town.

I'd done this part before, right at the end of November last year, and I'd had a peaceful, serene time. I was quite looking forward to this.

I was happy to see that the snow on FS 379 had been packed in by several vehicles. My nanospikes were perfect for the hard packed snow, gripping right in, even on the icy parts.

I looked back at Rosa, watching the half-moon rise above it.

As I reached Old Stage Road, I could see a clear view back towards Rosa. Her slopes looked so distant! It was hard to believe I'd just come from there.

Top: Half-moon rising above Rosa. Bottom: Glancing back, Rosa is now in the distance on the right-hand side.

A few miles down the road, I began to feel like I was entering a flow state. I was gliding easily over the patches of snow and ice with confidence. I thanked the universe for my opportunity to be here, and for my family, and their support and love.

I've been feeling so good lately that I am amazed, and a little perplexed. I can't remember the last time I've felt so strong both physically and mentally for so many weeks on end. Something is going right!

I will put a quick note in here about my "word of the year." I subscribed to the New York Times' "Well" newsletter at the beginning of this year, and one of the recommendations was to pick a single word that you can use to reflect upon during the year and help inform your actions. I picked the word consistency. This word has served me well already. I am eating a large salad nearly every day, and maintaining my weightlifting workouts. Perhaps the real reason I feel so good lately is consistently trying to practice healthy habits.

I know that we all go through ups and downs in life, and I'm thankful that I've found this place of contentedness. I am hopeful that I can reflect on moments like these when I am faced with hardships in the future.

Back to the run - I continued downhill, bypassing many interesting rock outcroppings and views. I looked at the rock faces and tried to see reasonable ways to climb up them. I imagined what wonders their summit views might hold.

Soon I'd reached Devil's Slide, which is a long, smooth rock on the north side of the road.

Devil's Slide. 

Just around the bend was the parking area for St. Peter's Dome.

And then my favorite part began! After passing the Dome, the road begins to descend more steeply, entering a fairly deep canyon. The temperature immediately fell. Last time I ran this segment, I felt totally at peace. Today, I just felt strong. I was flying downhill easily.

I didn't take any photos during this section, primarily because I was so focused on the run, but also because it isn't the most photogenic segment.

But once I came out of the canyon, I had a great view back from where I'd just been. St. Peter's Dome was prominent in the fading light, as was Mt. Rosa.

Top: St. Peter's Dome is the pointy top on the left side of the photo, Mt. Rosa is the high point in the center. Bottom: Classic rock outcroppings near the National Forest border.

I tackled the small uphill section, passing by some of the classic jagged rocks that greet visitors who are entering the National Forest on Old Stage Road.

When I reached Penrose Blvd, my husband wasn't quite there yet to pick me up, so I ran the extra mile up to the gate at the zoo and back down, which is part of the course of the Run to the Shrine race that I've run in the past.

Between these extra two miles on the tail end, and the extra miles at the start of the day, I got just over 27 miles with almost 5500 feet elevation gain! A full marathon+ for my birthday - what a great way to celebrate another year in this existence, in this wonderful natural world.

I want to thank my husband and children for supporting me and giving me the day to let my spirit be free in the mountains. I also want to thank my parents, who brought me into this world 36 years ago and gave me the best upbringing and foundation possible.

And you, dear reader, thank YOU for taking this journey with me, it was quite a day!